 The Speed Matters test results of 2009 showed the Arizona average download speed at 5.7 Mbps, putting it above the US average and 20th in the state rankings. Almost two thirds of residents have internet service in the home with less than 10% still on dial-up, although 17% experience download speeds below 768 Kbps from their internet provider.
The state is striving to increase the deployment of broadband internet services through the Telecommunications Open Partnerships for Arizona (TOPAZ). Back in 2001, the Government Information Technology Agency sought proposals from telecommunications carriers to connect schools and offices in rural communities to provide a broadband service. The aim was to spend $100 million over five years to improve the infrastructure.
A high speed service is available in all major cities, with DSL from several internet providers. However, a fiber optic cable service is limited, with Verizon, the leading ISP offering this service, having the state down for 'future deployment'.
The major problem remains rural areas, with small communities being left behind. The Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service provides grants for these areas. This has enabled several schemes, such as the town of Superior being able to implement a wifi canopy for the entire town. Similarly, the town of Tempe has created community-wide wireless internet access.
As of 2009, Arizona had 107 grant requests for first round funding from the $7.2 billion appropriated by US Congress to develop broadband. The state has also received help from the Gates Foundation to obtain federal stimulus broadband funds for public libraries.
Best known as the location of the Grand Canyon, one of the seven wonders of the world, Arizona is also home to various national parks and the largest stand of Ponderosa pine trees in the world. It has a largely desert climate, with hot summers and mild winters. With a population of 6.5 million in 2008, Arizona had become the fastest growing state by 2006.
Sharing a 389-mile international border with Mexico, it is the largest landlocked state in terms of population. The state capital of Phoenix is also the largest city. Next in size is Tucson, followed by Mesa and Glendale.
You can check for providers using our search function: Phoenix Internet Service Providers
Cities in Arizona likely to have, or soon to receive, fiber optic cable internet services include Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Glendale, Chandler, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Tempe, Peoria, Surprise, Yuma, Avondale and Flagstaff. Locations in AZ with highest population counts will be targeted first by providers, though relatively high speeds can be achieved with dial-up or DSL through companies such as Netzero and Charter Communications Cable.
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Coverage Unlikely
